Joseph Mallord William Turner

This pencil, black chalk and white gouache composition has been drawn on a greyish-buff laid paper. The black chalk drawing was applied first, followed by the pencil. The gouache wash was applied last; care was taken to ensure that it did not overlap along the skyline. Strong, swift lines and heavy shading are evident in this work; the pencil in particular appears to have been applied using considerable pressure to ensure a dark finish. The gouache is faint but the pencil and black chalk are strong.

The top edge of the sheet has been roughly cut. Unlike other works originally from the same sketchbook, this example has not been exposed to light. Turner’s intended contrast of grey paper, graphite pencil shading and lightly applied gouache can still be seen to advantage in this rapid and effective sketch.